What is an AONB?

AONB stands for Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The primary purpose of the AONB designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, which includes protecting flora, fauna and geological as well as landscape features. The landscape has also been shaped by man, and it is paramount that archaeological, historic remains and architectural features are protected.

The designation also creates a responsibility to provide for a quiet enjoyment of the countryside and having regard for the interests of those who live and work there. For more background information on AONBs please go to the The National Association of AONB (NAAONB) website.

Each AONB relies on planning controls and practical countryside management to achieve these aims, along with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, that introduced new powers to help protect these precious landscapes, and made it compulsory that every AONB should have its own unique management plan.

The Countryside Council for Wales has overall responsibility for AONBs in the national context but they are managed by Local Authorities with the support of Joint Advisory Committees (JAC), local communities and partnerships.

To date 5 AONBs have been designated in Wales – Llŷn, the Gower, Anglesey, the Clwydian Range, and the Wye Valley.